STATE, KENT COUNTY, AND TOWN OF CHESTERTOWN ANNOUNCE SUPPORT OF DIXON VALVE & COUPLING CO. EXPANSION

Leader in hose coupling industry is building new distribution center 

BALTIMORE, MD (October 10, 2017) – The Hogan administration, joined by officials from Kent County and the Town of Chestertown, today announced support for a new 150,000 square-foot warehouse distribution center that Dixon Valve & Coupling Co. is building in Chestertown. The company, which is a leading innovator in the hose coupling industry, is investing $20 million in the expansion which broke ground in June. Operating for more than 100 years, the company is one of the largest employers in Kent County with more than 340 employees. From this location, Dixon oversees 20 offices across North America and 1,600 employees worldwide. 

 

“From our team of outstanding employees to our close ties to the community, growing our company in Maryland is very important to us,” said Dixon CEO Richard Goodall. “While we considered locations in other states for this project, we were pleased to be able to work with the Maryland Department of Commerce, Kent County Economic Development and the Town of Chestertown to make this expansion happen in Maryland.”

 

Dixon has called Maryland home for more than 40 years, and we look forward to their continued growth and success here in our great state,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “By creating hundreds of jobs over the years, participating in on-the-job training, and providing scholarships to the local county schools, this company has had a tremendous impact on the Town of Chestertown and Kent County.”

 

To assist with the expansion, the Maryland Department of Commerce has approved a $1 million conditional loan through the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF) program. The Kent County Commissioners are providing a $100,000 match to help complete the project and the Town of Chestertown annexed the expansion property and assisted with obtaining the needed permits.  

 

“Commerce is pleased to work with Dixon on its expansion, which will enable the company to provide even better and more efficient service to its customers worldwide,” said Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “With a renewed focus on attracting, retaining, and expanding businesses, Maryland Commerce works closely with our partners in county and local government to ensure that companies like Dixon stay and grow right here in Maryland.”

 

“Kent County is committed to supporting Dixon in their expansion and construction of a new warehouse/distribution center,” said Kent County Commissioner William Short. “Dixon is an industry leader and we are proud they call Kent County home and appreciate their commitment to community.  The new warehouse/distribution center is the first phase of a larger vision of the Chestertown Business Campus. We look forward to continuing our work with the state as this project progresses.”

 

“Dixon Valve is the very definition of the good corporate citizen, and it’s hard to imagine Chestertown without it,” said Chestertown Mayor Chris Cerino. “The town is excited about this expansion. It’s creating opportunities for new businesses to locate here and for current businesses to follow Dixon’s lead and expand. This kind of public-private partnership makes an outsized impact in a community our size.”

 

Dixon’s history stretches back to 1916, when Howard W. Goodall founded the company in Philadelphia. The company added a number of products to their line over the years and today Dixon manufacturers and supplies hose couplings, valves, dry-disconnects, swivels, and other fluid transfer and control products. The company’s global reach includes a wide range of products for numerous industries including petroleum exploration, refining, transportation, chemical processing, food & beverage, steel, fire protection, construction, mining and manufacturing. 

 

About Maryland Commerce

The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing workforce training and financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.